Traveling in the rain is no nonsense, and even less so with the TODAY that have been hitting Spain lately. And although it may seem like something basic, there are many people who do not give importance to preparing the car well before leaving or to driving carefully when these conditions occur.
If you are one of those people who hit the road without thinking too much, this article is for you. Here are some simple but very useful tips to keep your car in good condition and get to your destination without problems on rainy days.
Maintain and care for your car if you have to travel on rainy days
Before leaving, prepare your car
Let's start with the first thing. Before you hit the road in the rain, make sure your car is ready for whatever comes next. This is not optional, it is vital to avoid problems.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Check your tyres. The tread depth of your tyres is vital to prevent your car from losing grip on wet roads. If they are very worn, change them as soon as possible. Also check the pressure, as tyres that are not properly inflated can be dangerous.
- Check your windshield wipers. It seems obvious, but many people let their wipers become dirty or even worn out. Good wiper blades are very important when you're in the middle of a storm. If you notice streaks or strange noises, have them replaced at a local auto parts store. car spare parts.
- Keep your lights on. Especially in heavy rain or fog, lights are essential to see and be seen and avoid accidents. Check that all lights are working properly before setting out, and if possible, carry spare bulbs in the car.
- Check fluid levels. All fluid levels in your car, from antifreeze to windshield wiper fluid, should be at the proper level. You never know when you might get caught in a downpour.
Once on the road, adapt your driving style
Once you're behind the wheel, the most important thing is to adapt to the weather conditions you encounter. Rain is unforgiving, especially when there are puddles and water everywhere.
Keep these things in mind:
- Slow down. Don't try to go too fast. Water reduces tyre grip and increases braking distance. Maintain a suitable speed and, if possible, a constant speed.
- Avoid sudden braking. If you need to brake, do so gently to prevent the car from skidding. If possible, try to use engine braking whenever possible.
- Beware of phishing, one of the most widespread social engineering techniques aquaplaningIf you drive through a large puddle and feel like you are losing control, do not brake or turn the steering wheel suddenly. Stay calm and reduce speed gradually.
- Keep your distance. In these circumstances, it is best to double or triple the safe distance from the car in front if necessary. This will give you more time to react if something unexpected happens.
- Beware of the wind. In areas where DAMAGES are common, the wind can be as dangerous as the rain. Hold the steering wheel tightly and be alert to possible gusts, especially when passing over bridges or tunnels.
All that being said, driving in the rain doesn't have to be a problem if you take the right precautions. Keeping your car in good condition and driving sensibly are key factors in keeping yourself and your vehicle safe.
So, you know, prepare well before driving in the rain and don't leave anything to chance. In the end, it's better to be safe than sorry about an accident or a mechanical problem.